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Mind-body medicine for esophageal cancer

What is mind-body medicine?

The Mind-Body Medicine Program at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) supports you and your caregivers before, during and after cancer treatment.

Mind-body medicine, an integral part of whole-person care, recognizes the powerful ways in which emotional, mental, social and behavioral factors can directly affect health. Our licensed mental health and allied professionals offer caring relationships and therapeutic practices and techniques to help you and your caregivers respond to cancer diagnosis and treatment in empowering and stress-minimizing ways in order to improve your health, relationships and overall well-being.

Mind-body services

All of our mind-body services are available to patients and caregivers. Each new patient is scheduled to meet with a mind-body therapist at least once to introduce the services. It’s your decision if you would like to continue meeting with a mind-body therapist and/or participate in any of the following services:

Individual, couples and family counseling: Meet with your mind-body therapist as an individual, couple or family for help with anything on your mind, work through difficult decisions, cope with cancer and how it affects your life and relationships, discover and use your inner strengths and resources, and explore ways to enjoy life while on this journey.

Relaxation and guided imagery: Learn to use positive mental images and focused breathing to increase your physical and emotional comfort. Cancer patients have often found this to help with physical discomfort and stress. It can also help support the immune system.

Support groups: Connect with others going through a similar experience.

Wellness practices for stress management/reduction: Discover tools and strategies that you can build into your everyday life to help reduce stress and positively affect your well-being.

Therapeutic laughter: Enjoy a distraction from your everyday stresses by joining in laughter exercises. Research has shown that positive laughter and humor can offer many physical and psychological health benefits.

Our mind-body therapists work closely with your entire cancer treatment team and are here to support you in making ongoing care decisions. In addition, they can try to connect you with qualified practitioners, support groups and counseling services in your area once you return home.

Mind-body medicine

Video: Mind-Body Medicine

Mind-Body Medicine

Mind-body medicine for esophageal cancer

Many esophageal cancer patients experience anxiety, depression and other psychological stresses which can impact their immune system, digestion, sleep and concentration.

Mind-body medicine therapies can help to reduce pain, nausea, sleep problems and other side effects, so you can better cope during your esophageal cancer treatment.

We also recognize that esophageal cancer patients are likely concerned about the well-being of their loved ones. All the services of the mind-body team are also available to your caregivers and family members.